The Brave Breath

Rose’s life used to feel sturdy - Saturday pancakes, Sparkly socks and Mum holding the umbrella when it rained.

Then the storm came.
It wasn’t thunder and lightning.
It was bad news.
Sudden. Loud. Not fair.

Mum dies in an accident.
And now every door slam makes Rose jump and every time Dad is late her heart somersaults. The world feels wobbly, unsafe and different.

But Rose is carrying something heavier than fear. She thinks if she had hugged Mum tighter… maybe the storm wouldn’t have taken her.

The Brave Breath - Helping Little Hearts Cope With Grief is a gentle, honest picture book for children navigating the sudden death of a parent. Through Rose’s story, young readers learn how to understand big feelings, calm anxious thoughts, and rebuild a sense of safety after loss.

Told through the eyes of Rose, this story gently explores:

• Big feelings after losing a parent
• Fear and anxiety following sudden bereavement
• Why bad things happen
• Rebuilding a sense of safety
• Permission to cry, ask questions and still play

Includes "The Toolkit for Scary Days" and the “Brave Breath” technique, a simple, child-friendly breathing exercise designed to calm anxiety and regulate overwhelming emotions.

This makes the book ideal for:

• Parents supporting a grieving child
• Primary schools and teachers
• School counsellors
• Child therapists
• Bereavement support groups
• Child mental health practitioners

The Brave Breath offers comfort, structure and hope. Even when life’s puzzle changes forever, children can learn to breathe, rebuild and feel safe again.